Sophie Zelmani seldom appears on TV or gives interviews, but the shy Swedish singer-songwriter is no stranger to music lovers. Her latest album, Memory Loves You, is as refreshing and tender as ever.
The songbird has released six albums since her 1995 debut single, Always You, which featured on the soundtrack of My Best Friend's Wedding.
Memory Loves You, like the singer's persona, is soft and gentle. It features 10 down-tempo songs, set against simple melodies and a shimmering acoustic guitar line. The songs are about memory, love and loss - there are no hysterics, only an air of sadness. The title track is a nostalgic but light song about fading memories.
Another beautifully crafted piece, Love on My Mind, sounds as if Zelmani is whispering her innermost secrets. Zelmani's voice, like other Swedish singers such as The Cardigans' Nina Persson and Karolina Komstedt from Club 8, is delicate, sensual and sad, but never depressing.
Some songs may sound quite similar, but you will be touched by the album's intimacy and honesty.
